Whole lamb and pig(let)

[David A]

After some suggestions, last year I roasted a whole suckling pig. However, the butcher was able to supply a large one (approx 35-40kg) for the same price as a suckling (20kg). He explained that folks who want a suckling want a small one not a large one hence no difference in cost lucky me.

This year he doesn't think he'd be able to get one at the same size either small or full size hog would be the options! Any suggestions on good butchers or mail order farms that would be able to help out? I've asked green pasture farms but the pigs are too big and expensive - waiting to hear back on how big their lambs are.

Ideas welcome !

David

[Justaredbadge]

Grow your own and feed it molasses.

[C Lee Farquar]

You're more likely to source one from a small abattoir or via a farmer's market.

The problem for anyone supplying is that it needs to be transported segregated from the usual larger pigs and you will pay as much for slaughter as a normal pork weight pig.

If a weaner is worth £30-£50, plus £20 slaughter, plus transport, hassle factor and profit, etc. it starts to get expensive.

Whereas you should be able to order a 40kg deadweight pig from an abattoir for @ £90, or have a whole lamb for around the same money.

[pad58]

Most on line butchers will only sell meat cut and packed ,as tthe above poster said the delivery can become ackward.
My money would be on a small slaughter house if there is one by you, unfortunately they are now few and far between.
Maybe try another butcher?

[Bill]

When I've asked the butcher has said it's more grief for them for similar money to a full pig, and anyway they're too young to die at that stage. I ended up with a whole loin and a head which looked ace when put together.

Although we had run out of apples so I shoved a banana in its mouth. Which looked a lot more disturbing than I anticipated